Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, faced severe damage as Hurricane Milton unleashed its fury on Wednesday night. Video footage captured the dramatic moment when parts of the stadium’s roof were torn away by the powerful winds.
Stadium Roof Severely Damaged
As the hurricane passed through the area, Tropicana Field’s roof succumbed to the extreme conditions. The video, shared widely on social media, shows large portions of the structure being ripped off and swirling in the wind. Despite the damage, officials have confirmed that no injuries were reported during the incident.
Emergency Responders and Safety Measures
Tropicana Field had initially been designated as a base for thousands of emergency responders ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall. However, a spokesperson for the stadium confirmed that no first responders were present when the roof came off. Essential personnel who remained at the stadium are all accounted for and safe, according to the statement provided to FOX 13 News.
City officials are urging residents to stay clear of the area as emergency teams assess the damage and work to secure the site.
Safety Concerns Raised Before the Storm
Reports indicate that 13 essential personnel were inside the stadium when the roof was damaged. The Tampa Bay Rays organization had raised concerns about the stadium’s structural integrity and its ability to withstand the hurricane. As a result, the team made the decision not to use Tropicana Field as a shelter during the storm, a move that potentially avoided further risks.
Hurricane Milton’s Impact
Hurricane Milton made landfall on Siesta Key late Wednesday as a formidable Category 3 storm. The hurricane’s powerful winds and heavy rain have caused widespread damage across the region, with Tropicana Field’s roof damage being one of the most visible impacts.
Emergency response efforts continue as authorities assess the full extent of the storm’s destruction.
Comments